Salim Khan reveals why Salman Khan's entire family does not eat beef

Salim Khan

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan recently opened up about his six-decade-long marriage with wife Salma Khan (formerly Sushila Charak). Speaking to Free Press Journal, Salim recalled how their interfaith union was solemnised with rituals from both religions.

Salim Khan revisited his early years in Indore, where he grew up in a diverse neighbourhood surrounded by Hindu families. “Hindu-Musalman ka masla hi nahi tha. Dosti thi, sab insaan the,” he said, explaining how religious harmony was deeply ingrained in him by his father, a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

However, when Salim expressed his wish to marry Sushila, he was faced with some resistance from her family. While his own relatives had no objections, Sushila’s father initially raised concerns about religion. “My father-in-law, a dentist, had investigated my background. He candidly told me that my religion was his only objection. I assured him that even if we had disagreements or fights, my wife and I would never have them because of religion,” Salim recalled.

Ultimately, the families reached an understanding, and the wedding was held with rituals from both faiths. Salim shared that his wife had always admired the Hindu saat phere ceremony, and so he arranged for a pandit to conduct the ritual. This was followed by a traditional nikaah. “It was important that neither of us felt forced. Both rituals made our marriage complete,” he said.

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Salim Khan also revealed that beef has never been consumed in their home, despite it being common among many Muslim families. He explained, "From Indore until today, we have never had beef. Beef is eaten by most Muslims as it is the cheapest meat! Some even buy it to feed pet dogs. But in the teachings of prophet Mohammed, he has clearly stated that a cow’s milk is a substitute for mother’s milk and it is a mufid (beneficial) cheez. He has stated that cows should not be killed and beef is forbidden. Prophet Mohammed has adopted good things from every religion. Like eating only halaal meat which was adopted from the Jews, who call it kosher. He has postulated that every religion is good and believes in a Supreme Power like we do.”

Over the years, the Khans have been known to celebrate Ganpati puja, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas with equal fervour.